Low-cost/Low-labor Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Practices

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ encourages homeowners to conserve water and reduce pollution by implementing sustainable practices. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program stresses nine major principles: 1) water efficiently; 2) fertilize appropriately; 3) mulch; 4) attract wildlife; 5) control yard pests responsibly; 6) recycle; 7) reduce stormwater runoff; 8) protect the waterfront; and 9) use the right plant in the right place.

Having a Florida-Friendly landscape doesn’t require a lot of money or labor. The following are some low-cost, low-labor practices you can use to make your yard Florida-Friendly.

• Mow your grass at the right height. This encourages a deeper and more drought-resistant root system and keeps grass clippings on your lawn to recycle nutrients into the soil.
• Use fallen leaves and pine needles as mulch.
• Position sprinklers correctly.
• Get an irrigation inspection by contacting your local UF/IFAS Extension office or utility provider.
• Schedule irrigation run times using the Urban Irrigation Scheduler.
• Only irrigate in the early morning, during prolonged dry periods, and when temperatures and wind are low.
• Direct downspouts onto areas where rainwater can be absorbed.
• Avoid planting invasive plants in your landscape.
• Apply pesticides to affected plants rather than using indiscriminate or routine applications.
• Fertilize only when needed.

These are only a few practices, but there are many ways to have a Florida-Friendly Landscape. For more information, visit the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ website or contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office.

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